To Get Together project: promoting integration through culture in Slovakia

Project goal:  

The project aimed to strengthen the resilience, well-being and integration of displaced Ukrainians in Slovakia by supporting the transmission of Ukrainian living heritage practices. It sought to enhance community capacities while deepening understanding of the role of cultural traditions in migration and early integration contexts. The initiative also developed transferable materials highlighting good practices and practical recommendations for other settings. Additionally, it raised awareness of the importance of cultural practices during emergencies and displacement, promoting recognition of living heritage as a resource for social inclusion and community cohesion in migration contexts. 

Who benefits:

The primary beneficiaries were displaced Ukrainian communities in Slovakia. Participation was central to the project: community members were involved not only as participants, but also as facilitators, artists, organisers and staff in assistant and managerial roles. 

Activities also engaged the Slovak majority population, with selected events open to the wider public to promote intercultural dialogue and social cohesion. Academic experts and professionals working in migration, integration and culture – including NGOs, public authorities and international organisations – participated in seminars and knowledge-sharing activities. 

The project further addressed policymakers by developing recommendations to strengthen local and national integration policies, particularly in the field of cultural integration. 

How it works:  

The project combined community-based cultural activities, research, capacity building and professional exchange. At its core were living heritage workshops and public events designed to support the transmission of Ukrainian intangible cultural heritage while fostering resilience, well-being and social cohesion among displaced communities. Workshops covered a wide range of traditions, including embroidery, straw art, Motanka doll-making, Petrykivka and Samchikivka painting, bead weaving, Easter egg decoration and other crafts. They engaged children, young people, adults and older participants, strengthening intergenerational exchange. Some activities were also open to the Slovak public, promoting intercultural dialogue. Demand exceeded expectations, with participants travelling from across the country.  

Public events linked to Ukrainian traditions – such as Ivan Kupala, Independence Day, Christmas, New Year carols and Easter – attracted both displaced Ukrainians and members of the majority population. The project also included participatory needs mapping (38 interviews), capacity-building sessions, expert and academic seminars, and a final closing seminar. A component of the final seminar was a press release summarising the research findings. These activities generated research outputs, practical tools and policy recommendations to support the integration of displaced communities through cultural heritage.